The Build Up Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Build Up Podcast
Presented by Sports As a Job!
Join pitch side to hear the boots on the ground stories from those helping to grow the beautiful game of soccer.
We want to hear about the build up. Guests from the soccer industry talk about their journey to where they are today and give insight into the landscape of the game of soccer.
Courtney Ksiazek (Twitter: @courttk22; LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyksiazek/) is Director, Partnership Marketing for the San Jose Earthquakes.
Courtney cultivated her interest in working in The Beautiful Game during her time as Northern Illinois University. A center back on the university's team, Courtney's interest for being involved in soccer carried her to the prestigious Ohio University's Master's program.
Working a multitude of events throughout her time in grad school, Courtney connected and built relationships throughout the industry, leading into her role with U.S. Soccer. Collaborating with global partners such as SC Johnson and Nike, Courtney helped to activate campaigns on a macro and micro level.
Having been with the Quakes since 2018, Courtney handles partnership activation for top partners including kit sponsor Intermedia Communications and Quakes Academy Presenting Partner Sutter Health.
John is a veteran of the soccer industry. Starting his career at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, John fostered his focus on building relationships and integrating himself within the different aspects of the industry.
John was employee #1 with USL side Reno 1868 FC, growing the season ticket holder base in lieu of the club's inaugural season. John has also been with Las Vegas Lights FC and El Paso Locomotive FC during their debut seasons. Most recently with Forward Madison FC, John has spearheaded the growth of youth soccer, rallying younger clubs to participate in The Beautiful Game.
Willy Whitelaw (Twitter/Instagram: @whitelaw827) is the Social Media Lead for the New England Revolution.
Previously, Willy has been with Rayo OKC, Virginia Beach City FC, National Premier Soccer League, New York Red Bulls, and New York Cosmos. Willy walks through the different stops in his career from playing college basketball to commuting 5+ hours for an internship, sharing advice he learned along the way.
Follow us on Twitter @TheBuildUpPod
-Hosted by Max Simpson (@MaxDavidSimpson)
-Presented by Sports as a Job
The Build up Podcast is joined by Steven Hamlin. Steve is currently a Digital Media Specialist for the National Women's Soccer League and FC Schalke 04. Steve's twitter handle is @stevehamlin19.
In his current positions, Steve helps build awareness of the team and league among fans. This is done through implementing engagement strategies across all platforms. On the podcast Steve shares more insight into what he does. He talks about his unexpected journey to where he is today. This episode is for all the passionate soccer fans, those looking to break into the industry, and those who just enjoy listening about an amazing build up journey.
Follow us on Twitter @TheBuildUpPod and our hosts Kolby Castillo (@kolby_castillo) and Max Simpson (@MaxDavidSimpson)
Intro Music credit to ABAPO Music Studios: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwF1OqcNsQEOd0iNu0Yjitg
Trey Higdon (Twitter: @TreyHigdon; Instagram: @treyhigdonxi) is the Communications Manager for Indy Eleven of the United Soccer League.
In his role, Trey manages all of the club's social channels, websites, and is the primary contact for all media inquiries. Having started with the club in 2017, Trey has seen the nuances within the soccer landscape and has applied what he has learned, as well as capitalizing on emerging social trends, into his daily content output for the team.
In this episode, Trey discusses some of his favorite social platforms, tools and experiences he has used throughout his career, and some of the many folks who help to "Build Up" his knowledge on a daily basis including:
*John Koluder (@JohnKoluder) - Senior Director, Communications & Marketing, Indy Eleven
*Max Johnson (@MaxWellSaid) - Manager, Digital Marketing, Indy Eleven
*Tian Liang (@TianLiang1989) - Manager, Multimedia, Indy Eleven
*Scott Stewart (@ImScottStewart) - Director of Communications and Public Relations, United Soccer League (former Public Relations and Communications Manager, Indy Eleven)
*Julie Vincent (linkedin.com/in/beyondwords55/) - Public Relations Lecturer, Indiana University School of Journalism
*Bruce Hetrick (linkedin.com/in/brucehetrick/) - Professor of Practice, Indiana University Department of Journalism and Public Relations
It was great to learn more about Trey's career path and his current day-to-day. We certainly enjoyed this episode. We hope you do too!
Follow us on Twitter @TheBuildUpPod and our hosts Kolby Castillo (@kolby_castillo) and Max Simpson (@MaxDavidSimpson)
Intro Music credit to ABAPO Music Studios: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwF1OqcNsQEOd0iNu0Yjitg
Bianca is the Digital Marketing Coordinator for the Houston Dash and Houston Dynamo. Also serving as the social lead for the Dash, she is running point on Dash' social media efforts, website maintenance, and email coordination to season-ticket holders.
Nearing her one year mark in a full time role with the organization, Bianca has been with the Dash since 2014, her "Build Up" started as a Student Volunteer with the team progressing into a Communications Assistant and finally into her current role.
Bianca takes us through her journey into the sports industry, navigating a career change, and some of her favorite memories she's experienced within The Beautiful Game.
Follow us on Twitter @TheBuildUpPod and our hosts Kolby Castillo (@kolby_castillo) and Max Simpson (@MaxDavidSimpson)
Intro Music credit to ABAPO Music Studios: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwF1OqcNsQEOd0iNu0Yjitg
Welcome to The Build Up Podcast presented by Sports As a Job. Hosted by Max Simpson and Kolby Castillo
Follow us on Twitter @TheBuildUpPod
Intro Music credit to ABAPO Music Studios: www.youtube.com/channel/UCwF1OqcNsQEOd0iNu0Yjitg